Ten years after she hit Nollywood, the actress known as Nurse Titi (Nkechi Emmanuel) has definitely made her mark, not only by starring in blockbuster movies like Black Bird, When You Are Mine, Most Wanted Nurses, Ghetto Republic, and Adaora among others but also by delivering her roles with professional dexterity of an accomplished Thespian.
She recently added a feat to her cap after emerging the Most Promising Actress of the Year 2016 at the Classic Africa Merit Awards (CAMA). In a chat with Showtime Celebrity, the Anambra State-born thespian speaks on the extent she can go for love, her experience in Hollywood, and her career generally.
You studied History and International Relations, so why acting?
I have been acting even before I gained admission into the university, let’s say in the year 2008 or 2009.The whole thing started when I finished secondary school and the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) was making things difficult. So I enrolled in a computer school where I eventually graduated with a Diploma in Desktop Publishing. On this particular day, I was at home watching TV when I saw an advert inviting aspiring models for an audition around Ikeja, Lagos. So, I started as a model. That day was a memorable day, because at a point, a friend and I ran out of cash, and had to trek from Opebi to Maryland. My friend was selected for the modelling job and I wasn’t picked.
What went wrong?
I think it had to do with my height. But I didn’t give up and wanted to be part of the entertainment industry at all cost. The opportunity came again when some Nollywood actors came to my church and I was already part of the drama group in church. After church service, I told my mum I wanted to be like the actors that attended our church today. She told me to inform my dad. My dad kicked against it because he wanted me to study Law.
I cried all day until my mum could stand it no longer. Eventually, she gave me some money and I went to the National Arts Theatre. Fortunately, they were having an audition on that particular day. That was the first day I saw Aunty Ngozi Nzeonu, this gave me a kind of hope. I was told to pay some certain amount to the bank, I left for my home to inform my mum. She gave me the money which I paid into the given account and the rest is history.
Your first major film?
That was the movie titled “When You Are Mine” in 2009 where I was cast as a nurse. And that was where the producer of ‘’Clinic Matters’’ saw me. I was invited for the auditioning, there I met about 400 ladies and the producer only needed three. I was lucky to be one of the three. That is the character that actually brought me to the limelight. Everywhere I go, people tend to call me nurse Titi. In fact, it has really taken over my real name – I’m not regretting that though.
Difference between making soap opera and films?
Soap operas are time consuming and more challenging than film making.
Any film of your own?
Not yet. I want to undergo a formal training in that before venturing into it. Acting is a talent but for producing, a three month course should do.
We have many actors turning producers, why?
I think that may be because they want to bring to fore things they think are yet to be projected in Nollywood.
Do you think that is one of the reasons the film market is flooded with less quality films?
I don’t think so. Some producers would not know the project won’t come out well. It could be that the script wasn’t well delivered, the editor might not do a good job. So many things could lead to having a bad production. I just don’t want to believe any producer will invest in a film he or she thinks will not do well in the market.
How do you see the introduction of short films into Nollywood?
It’s a welcome development but my fear is that our people may abuse it. That should not be an excuse for producing bad films. Short films are mainly for online viewing and that means it has to come out good.
You are young, beautiful, rich and already building your career. Where is marriage in all these?
Marriage is around the corner.
How soon?
Very soon. You don’t expect me to give you the date, common.
There is this belief that celebrities find it difficult to find love, your thought?
That is not true. I have found love before, I am still in love and will still get men falling in love with me. We should learn to give love a try.
Why do we have celebrities within the marriageable age still single?
We all have our real persons off the screen. How you treat yourself, partner, your commitment to the relationship will determine what will become of the relationship. This has nothing to do with who you are on the screen.
An actress once said it is better to have sex outside a relationship than in a relationship to avoid being heartbroken?
Our culture frowns at pre-marital sex. However, it is not advisable to have sex outside a relationship. One should work towards having the good sides of the relationship.
To what length can you go for love?
I can kill for love. Love is a good thing and when I find it, I am a very jealous lover. If anyone blocks my path, I can kill that person.
Your Nigerian celebrity crush?
That is Patoranking. He knows what he wants and I like his dress sense.
You have the tendency to grow fat, do you think this befits your career?
There is no shape one can’t rock. In fact, we have pageants for big, bold and beautiful. What matters most is your confidence and charisma.
Do you think Nigerian actors are well paid?
We are not well catered for. I have been opportune to do one or two short movies in Hollywood. M and one other guy were the only Nigerians in the film. Over there, we were pampered; I must confess. If you complain of headache, you will be allowed to the green room. But here in Nigeria, even if you are dying, you must go on because you have been given a certain amount of money.
Having spent all your life in Lagos, do you speak Yoruba?
Yes, I speak Yoruba fluently.
Should we expect to see you in a Yoruba film soon?
Sure, I have spoken to some Yoruba producers. My fans should look out for that.
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